Peter Nygard sentenced to over a decade for sexual assaults
Nygard guilty of sexually assaulting five women; faces further charges in US
![Therapist and survivor advocate Shannon Moroney, centre left to right, Peter Nygard, Nygard's lawyer Gerri Wiebe, Justice Robert Goldstein and Crown lawyer Neville Golwalla are seen in a courtroom sketch in Toronto, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. A(lexandra Newbould/The Canadian Press via AP).](https://thethaiger.com/world/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Canada_Peter_Nygard_Assault_24253643732935-scaled.jpg)
Peter Nygard, the former fashion executive, received over a decade-long prison sentence for multiple sexual assaults.
The 83-year-old was found guilty last November of sexually assaulting five women in his Toronto office. Peter Nygard, who holds Finnish-Canadian nationality, used his influence and wealth to commit these crimes in a private suite on the top floor of his building.
Despite the lengthy sentence, Nygard will serve less than seven years due to time already served since his 2020 arrest, which was initiated by US authorities.
In court, Nygard wore a black Canada Goose jacket with a hood. Justice Robert Goldstein labelled him a “sexual predator” and described the case as a “Canadian story gone very wrong.”
Nygard relocated to Canada from Helsinki with his parents in 1952. When asked if he had any comments in court, he simply replied, “no sir.”
His legal team indicated plans to appeal the conviction and sentence. He was acquitted of a fifth sexual assault charge and one count of forcible confinement.
During the six-week trial, the court heard distressing testimonies from the women. Four of them were in their 20s during the assaults, which occurred between the 1980s and 2005. One victim was just 16 at the time.
Justice Goldstein stated that a lenient punishment due to Nygard’s age would imply immunity for older men committing such crimes and signal that wealth and power can delay judgement indefinitely.
Peter Nygard was arrested in late 2020 at the request of the US, where he faces accusations of using his business to exploit women and girls. He was charged by Toronto police a year later and also faces charges in Manitoba and Quebec. He is resisting extradition to the US, where he would face federal charges.
Nygard’s son, Kai Bickle, an informant in the investigation since 2019, spoke about his father’s sentencing. He mentioned that his father used money to silence accusers and conceal his crimes for many years.
The investigation also brought attention to Prince Andrew, who once visited Nygard in the Bahamas. The Duke of York faced renewed calls to speak with FBI investigators after Nygard’s conviction.
Prince Andrew visited Nygard’s Bahama compound in 2000, shortly after Nygard settled out of court with three employees who accused him of sexual harassment. There are no allegations of wrongdoing against Prince Andrew.
What Other Media Are Saying
- ABC News reports that Peter Nygard, a former Canadian fashion mogul, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for sexually assaulting four women, with the judge labeling him a ‘sexual predator’ and emphasizing that Nygard’s advanced age and poor health do not justify a lighter sentence. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What was Peter Nygard sentenced for?
Peter Nygard was sentenced for multiple sexual assaults.
How long will Peter Nygard serve in prison?
Nygard will serve under seven years in prison due to credit for time already spent in custody.
Did Peter Nygard respond in court?
When asked if he had anything to say, Nygard replied, ‘no sir.’
Is Peter Nygard appealing his conviction?
Yes, his lawyers said he would appeal the conviction and sentence.
What other charges does Peter Nygard face?
Nygard faces charges of sexual assault and forcible confinement in Manitoba and Quebec and is fighting extradition to the US.